Method and Apparatus for Identifying and Tracking Biological Fluid

ABSTRACT

A system and method of tracking biological fluid during a donation process. The system and method identify and release blood products from quarantined storage and print an appropriate blood bag label on demand.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/981,413 filed on Oct. 19,2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current blood collection process is a manual check and balancesystem that uses extensive manual labor and relies on human multi-layerverification. The process consists of manual data entry of lab resultsand double, triple, and quadruple checks of numerous steps of thedonation, manufacturing and quarantine release processes. The presentprocess is prone to errors.

The current blood collection process can be described as follows:

-   -   1. Donor center blood collection “kits” consist of blood bags        and sample vials labeled with a unique bar code label requiring        two individuals to check and verify correct label        identification.    -   2. A blood sample is collected from the donor just prior to        collecting a pint of blood in the blood bag.    -   3. Blood bags containing collected blood are placed in        quarantine pending lab results.    -   4. Blood samples are sent to laboratory for analysis.    -   5. Lab results for specific units of blood are faxed or emailed        to donor center blood bank.    -   6. Each test result is recorded two separate times by two        different individuals as a check and balance. Verification of        received lab results is reviewed by two individuals at        management level.    -   7. Worker gang-prints approved and rejected labels using lab        results.    -   8. Quarantined blood is removed from refrigerated quarantine        storage for acceptance or destruction release labeling by four        individuals.    -   9. Worker1 places blood on counter while reading the unique bag        number to worker2 who checks the bag number against the lab        results list while worker3 verifies the bag number against the        lab results number and applies the label to the bag and reads        off bag number. Worker4 verifies.    -   10. Approved bags are collected, placed on trays and verified        again by workers in step #9 before placing approved bags in        approved storage location. Process is repeated for rejected        blood bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a system and method of 1) accurately, safely andeffectively identifying and releasing blood products from quarantinedstorage; 2) directly printing the appropriate blood bag label on demand;3) reducing errors for matching data to blood product; and 4) improvinglabor efficiency.

The system monitors and maintains blood status as quarantined while asoftware program “listens” for laboratory data. Upon receipt of theblood lab results from either the blood tracking system or othercompatible blood bank labeling systems (e.g., Ilematrax), the softwareprogram: (1) processes and parses the lab data creating records for eachblood bag, (2) verifies the results with the corresponding bag, (3)checks for human and hardware errors, (4) verifies the laboratory donorID against the blood bag donor ID, and (5) writes the proper printsequence code to produce a required ISTB-128 compatible label to thechip on the corresponding blood bag. The software program confirms dataintegrity and changes the blood status to approved or rejected(depending on the lab results), updates the blood status change to thesmart cradle and the corresponding blood bag and switches the smartcradle and the smart tray lights from yellow to green or red,respectively.

When blood is released and ready for labeling, the blood bag is removedfrom quarantine and the memory chip on the bag is touched to the printerinterface box. The appropriate label is printed based on data in thememory chip for application to the blood bag.

The invention can incorporate emerging technologies such asnanodetectors, miniaturized sensors/detectors, “lab on a chip”analytical testing platforms or other future devices that can beinterfaced with the processor.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a biological fluididentification and tracking system. The system comprises a computerprocessor in communication with a network, a tray in communication withthe network and positioned within a refrigerated compartment, the trayincluding a controller and a plurality of bins configured to support acontainer and a display associated with each bin, each of the displaysconfigured to indicate whether testing of the container within theassociated bin is complete, a module having an interface configured fordirect contact with a memory chip on the container, the moduleconfigured to read information stored on the memory chip, and a printercoupled to the module and configured to print a label including at leasta portion of the information stored on the memory chip.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method oftracking biological fluid. The method comprises collecting biologicalfluid from a donor and storing the biological fluid in a container,writing a donor identification to a memory chip secured to the containerand associating the donor identification to a unique memory chipidentification, positioning the container in a tray located in aquarantine location, connecting the memory chip to a controllerassociated with the tray, the controller in communication with anetwork, transmitting a signal to the controller when a testing processof the biological fluid is complete, displaying an indication related tothe signal, connecting the memory chip to an interface to read data onthe memory chip, and printing a label for the container including atleast a portion of the read data.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a biologicalfluid identification and tracking system comprising a tray assembly, aserver, and a printer. The tray assembly includes a controller incommunication with a network, a plurality of bins, each bin configuredto receive a container of biological fluid, a plurality of ports incommunication with the controller, each port associated with a bin,plurality of displays, each display in communication with an associatedport, and a cradle configured to connect to the port and to a memorychip on the container. The server is in communication with thecontroller and a network and is configured to receive via the networklaboratory test data associated with the container, and transmit asignal via the port to the memory chip and the display associated withthe container, the signal including data related to the laboratory testdata. The printer is configured to print a label for the container, thelabel including information related to the laboratory test data.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of blood being collected from a donor.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a biological fluid identificationand tracking system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tray assembly used with the systemillustrated in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of the tray assembly illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a printer used with the systemillustrated in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of tracking biological fluidaccording to one embodiment of a method of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

Although directional references, such as upper, lower, downward, upward,rearward, bottom, front, rear, etc., may be made herein in describingthe drawings, these references are made relative to the drawings (asnormally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended tobe taken literally or limit the present invention in any form. Inaddition, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used hereinfor purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or implyrelative importance or significance.

In addition, it should be understood that embodiments of the inventioninclude hardware, software, and electronic components or modules that,for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if themajority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However,one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of thisdetailed description, would recognize that, in at least one embodiment,the electronic based aspects of the invention may be implemented insoftware. As such, it should be noted that a plurality of hardware andsoftware based devices, as well as a plurality of different structuralcomponents may be utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, andas described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanicalconfigurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplifyembodiments of the invention and that other alternative mechanicalconfigurations are possible.

Prior to blood donation, unique identifying barcode labels are appliedto a blood bag and sample vials, and a memory chip with a uniqueidentification number is secured to the blood bag. At the time of bloodcollection, the bar-coded blood bag with its memory chip and bar-codedblood sample vials are scanned and programmed into the blood bag'smemory chip (e.g., a unique ROM ID chip using a barcode reader equippedwith a 9092 type chip socket). The donor identification also isprogrammed into the memory chip.

FIG. 1 illustrates a process of collecting biological fluid, such asblood, from a donor 10. Blood can be separated into its components suchas red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets, andcryoprecipitate. In a typical process, the donor 10 is phlebotomized andthe blood is collected in a sterile container 14. The container 14generally includes preservatives and anti-clotting compounds. Thecontainer 14 includes a label 18, such as a barcode label and a memorychip 22. The memory chip 22 is secured to the container 14. The chip 22can store donor identification information, the container barcode numberand unique chip ROM TD. The blood can be separated and each componentplaced in its own individual container 14.

An example of a memory chip 22 that can be used with the presentinvention is a microcan, such as the Touch Memory F5 model availablefrom Dallas Semiconductors. The memory chip 22 can be attached to anexterior surface of the container 14 with adhesive or other suitablemeans. The memory chip 22 also can include a processor and one or moresensors operable to sense environmental factors, such as temperature,time, and date.

After the blood is collected from the donor 10, the container 14 isquarantined in a refrigerated storage area for a period of time. Thecontainer 14 remains in quarantine awaiting laboratory results. Whilethe container 14 is in quarantine, the container 14 is in communicationwith a biological fluid identification and tracking system 30 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. The biological fluididentification and tracking system 30 is schematically illustrated inFIG. 2 and utilizes a unique electronic methodology for the positiverelease of quarantined blood and generation of on-demand, accurateISTB-128 compatible labels. The system 30 ensures the safe verificationof blood data with blood product and reduces the labor required toprocess blood lab data with blood product. The system 30 alsostreamlines the process by automating the release of quarantined bloodand eliminates the labor required and potential for error in blood baglabeling. The system 30 uses hardware and software to electronicallyidentify, scan, and verify blood bags, store blood data records, andprint labels. The system 30 also tracks containers 14 for purposes ofinventory control.

The system 30 includes a computer 34, which includes an operating systemfor running various software programs and/or a communicationsapplication. In particular, the computer 34 can include a softwareprogram(s) 38 that operates to communicate with the memory chip 22. Thesoftware program(s) 38 is operable to receive data from externalsoftware programs and hardware and it is noted that data may be input tothe software program(s) 38.

The computer 34 can include any suitable input/output device adapted tobe accessed by personnel. The computer 34 can include typical hardwaresuch as a processor, I/O interfaces, and storage devices or memory. Thecomputer 34 can also include input devices such as a keyboard and amouse. The computer 34 can further include standard output devices, suchas a monitor. In addition, the computer 34 can include peripherals, suchas a printer and a scanner.

The computer 34 can be networked with other computers 34 via network 42.The other computers 34 may include additional and/or different computerprograms and software and are not required to be identical to thecomputer 34, described above. The computers 34 can also communicate witha database(s) 46 and a server(s) 50. It is noted that the softwareprogram(s) 38 could also reside on the server(s) 50.

The network 42 can be built according to any suitable networkingtechnology or topology or combinations of technologies and topologiesand can include multiple sub-networks. Connections between the computersshown in FIG. 2 can be made through local area networks (“LANs”), widearea networks (“WANs”), public switched telephone networks (“PSTNs”),wireless networks, Intranets, the Internet, or any other suitablenetworks.

The two-way arrows in FIG. 2 generally represent two-way communicationand information transfer between the network 42 and any one of thecomputers 34 shown in FIG. 2. However, for some computerized equipment,only one-way communication and information transfer may be necessary.

The system 30 includes a data reader 54 operable to read information onthe label 18 and transmit or input the information to the computer 34.The reader 54 also may transmit or input the information directly intothe database 46. In one construction, the reader 54 is operable to readbar codes on the label 18.

The system 30 also includes a module 58 adapted to communicate with thememory chip 22. The module 58 can be standalone or coupled to thecomputer 34 and/or reader 54. The module 58 is adapted to input or writethe information on the label 18 that is read by the reader 54 to thememory chip 22. Additional data or information may be input or writtento the memory chip 22, such as a patient identifier or a name or anidentifier of a person collecting the biological fluid from the donor10. The module 58 can include an interface 60 that is adapted todirectly contact the memory chip 22 and electronically communicate theinformation to the memory chip 22 and/or read information stored on thememory chip 22.

The system 30 also includes a tray assembly 60 where the container 14 isstored until laboratory testing results indicate that the biologicalfluid is safe for distribution and use. The tray assembly 60,illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, is positioned within a refrigeratedcompartment 64 and can include a controller 62 in communication with therefrigerated compartment 64, the computer 34, and/or the network 42. Thecontroller 62 can communicate with a standalone computer, similar to thecomputer 34 described above, or with a computer (e.g., laboratorytesting computer, database, and/or server) or other processor via thenetwork 42. A plurality of tray assemblies 60 can be positioned withinthe refrigerated compartment 64 and be connected (e.g., via USBconnector) to a main panel in the refrigerated compartment 64, which isin communication with the network 42.

The tray assembly 60 includes a tray having planar surface with one ormore apertures or bins 66 formed therein and configured to receive acontainer 14. Each bin 66 includes an adjacent associated slot 68configured to receive a cradle 70 coupled to a container 14 to assistthe container 14 to remain stored generally in an upright position. Thecradle 70 includes a first connector 74 configured to receive and/or beat least in communication with the memory chip 22 of a container 14 anda second connector 78 configured to engage a port 82 supported by thetray assembly 60. The port 82 is in communication with the firstconnector 74, the controller 62, and the network 42 and/or computer 34.The cradle 70 may include a processor. It is noted that theconfiguration of each bin 66 may deviate from the shape illustrated inFIG. 3 and that each bin 66 can take on its own configuration and/orshape. Each bin 66 also may include a wall at least partiallysurrounding the bin 66 to assist the container 14 to remain in agenerally upright position. Each bin 66 can hold one or more containers14.

Each bin 66 includes a display 86 in communication with the port 82and/or the network 42 and operable to indicate whether the bin 66includes one or more containers 14 that have completed test results. Thedisplay 86 can be coupled to the bin 66 or the plurality of displays 86can be coupled to a common control panel located inside of, outside of,or near the tray assembly 60. Alternatively, the display 86 can becoupled to the cradle 70. The display 86 can communicate with thecomputer 34 or standalone computer (or other computer via the network42) via the port 82 to receive instructions and display data indicativeof the test results of the biological fluid. In one construction, thedisplay 86 can include a plurality of light emitting diodes wherecertain colors indicate the status of one or more containers 14 withinthe particular bin 66. For example, one light emitting diode can begreen that, when illuminated, may indicate that one or more containers14 have completed and acceptable test results and is ready for furtherprocessing. One light emitting diode can be yellow that, whenilluminated, may indicate that one or more of the containers 14 in theparticular bin 66 are still in the testing process or phase. One lightemitting diode can be red that, when illuminated, may indicate that oneor more of the containers 14 in the particular bin 66 have completedtest results and need to be removed from the cradle 60 and disposed ofor processed for further testing. Of course, it will be appreciated thatother colors for the light emitting diodes can be utilized and thatother suitable displays or indicators may also be used with the presentinvention.

The server 50 and/or computer 34 periodically check or scan each trayassembly 60 to determine if any of the containers 14 stored therein areready for further processing or whether any of the containers 14 requiredisposal or further testing. The server 50 receives lab test data fromthe laboratory computer 34, parses, and stores the lab results into aresults table based on the donor identification. The server 50 also canupdate local (ARC, AABB) or national (DoD DBITs) databases with the testresults. If the lab results do not have a matching donor identificationnumber on any of the containers 14 stored in the refrigeratedcompartment 64, the server 50 can update the database 46 and/or an errorfile. The error file can indicate if there is no associated data on amemory chip 22 for the particular donor identification, that thecontainer 14 has already been processed, that an incorrect container 14was previously removed from the refrigerated compartment 64, that thelab results are for a different donor, or that there is a problem withthe hardware.

If the lab results identification, the donor identification, and theunique memory chip identification received from the laboratory computer34 match, the server 50 transmits the corresponding lab data to thecontroller 62 to write certain information (e.g., lab test results) ontothe memory chip 22 of the associated container 14. The lab results (andany associated information) also can be maintained in the database 46.It is not required that the lab results be written to and stored on thememory chip 22. The server 50 also transmits an instruction to theassociated display 86 to indicate that the test results for thatparticular container 14 have been completed. The display 86 also canindicate whether the container 14 is approved for further processing oris rejected. The server 50 also transmits data to the associated memorychip 22 to store certain information related to the data to be printedon a label for the container 14.

The containers 14 that have acceptable test results and are ready forfurther processing are removed and generally transported to a standaloneor networked printer 90 (see FIG. 5, for example) to be labeled. Theprinter 90 can include a module 94, similar to module 58 describedabove, that is operable to communicate with the memory chip 22. Themodule 94 can include a processor and an interface 98 that is configuredto directly contact the memory chip 22 and electronically read theinformation from the memory chip 22. The information stored in thememory chip 22 can be read by the module 94 when the memory chip 22makes contact with the module 94. The information from the label 18 andadditional information added to the memory chip 22 throughout theprocess that was stored on the memory chip 22 can be accessed by themodule 94 to retrieve the test results stored in the printer 90 and/orretrievable from the network 42 and/or computer 34 for the particularcontainer 14. The printer 90 can print one or more secondary labels 102with additional information such as the test results. The module 94 alsocan transmit or write the additional information to the memory chip 22.This process ensures that the correct label 102 is placed on the correctcontainer 14. In addition, the memory chip 22 records the number oftimes a label 102 has been printed for a particular container 14 andprints this information on the label 102 for label inventory purposes.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of tracking biologicalfluid according to one embodiment of a method of the invention. A nurseor other appropriate personnel collects (at 200) a biological fluid suchas blood from a donor that is stored in a container 14. The container 14includes a memory chip 22 having a unique identification. The personnelscans a donor identification which is written (at 204) to the memorychip 22. The donor identification is associated with the unique memorychip identification. After the scanning process, the container 14 ispositioned (at 208) on the tray assembly 60 within a refrigeratedcompartment 64 also indicated as a quarantine location. The userconnects (at 212) the memory chip 22 on the container 14 to theconnector 74 on the cradle 70 and the cradle 70 to the port 82 such thatthe memory chip 22 is in communication with the controller 62, which isassociated with the tray assembly 60. When the server 50 receives thelab test results, the server transmits (at 216) a signal to thecontroller 62. The controller 62 transmits the signal to the appropriatedisplay 86 to display (at 220) an indication related to the signal suchas an accept or reject indication. Upon completion of the laboratorytest results, the user can remove the container 14, take the container14 to the printer 90, and connect (at 224) the memory chip to theinterface 98 to read the data on the memory chip 22. The printer 90prints (at 228) a label for the container 14 including at least aportion of the read data (e.g., donor identification, laboratory testresults, and the like).

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A biological fluid identification and trackingsystem comprising: a computer processor in communication with a network;a tray assembly in communication with the network and positioned withina refrigerated compartment, the tray assembly including a controller anda plurality of bins configured to support a container and a displayassociated with each bin, each of the displays configured to indicatewhether testing of the container within the associated bin is complete;and a module having an interface configured for direct contact with amemory chip on the container, the module configured to read informationstored on the memory chip.
 22. The biological fluid identification andtracking system of claim 21 further comprising a port associated witheach bin, the port in communication with the controller.
 23. Thebiological fluid identification and tracking system of claim 23 furthercomprising a cradle having a first connector connected to the memorychip of an associated container and a second connector configured toengage the port of the associated bin.
 24. The biological fluididentification and tracking system of claim 21 further comprising aserver in communication with the controller, the server configured totransmit a signal to the controller having an instruction related towhether testing of the container is complete.
 25. The biological fluididentification and tracking system of claim 25 wherein the controllertransmits the signal to the display to indicate a disposition of thecontainer associated with the display.
 26. The biological fluididentification and tracking system of claim 21 wherein the memory chipincludes at a minimum, a donor identification and a memory chipidentification prior to placement on the tray assembly.
 27. Thebiological fluid identification and tracking system of claim 26 whereina server in communication with the controller is configured to transmita signal to the controller having an instruction related to whethertesting of the container is complete only after verifying that the donoridentification, the memory chip identification, and a laboratory resultsidentification match.
 28. A method of tracking biological fluid, themethod comprising: collecting biological fluid from a donor and storingthe biological fluid in a container; writing a donor identification to amemory chip secured to the container and associating the donoridentification to a unique memory chip identification; positioning thecontainer in a tray assembly located in a quarantine location;connecting the memory chip to a controller associated with the trayassembly, the controller in communication with a network; transmitting asignal to the controller when a testing process of the biological fluidis complete; displaying an indication related to the signal; andconnecting the memory chip to an interface to read data on the memorychip.
 29. The method of tracking biological fluid of claim 28 furthercomprising storing a number of times the label is printed onto thememory chip.
 30. The method of tracking biological fluid of claim 28further comprising verifying the donor identification, the unique memorychip identification, and a laboratory results identification match priorto transmitting the signal to the controller when a testing process ofthe biological fluid is complete.
 31. The method of tracking biologicalfluid of claim 28 further comprising verifying the donor identification,the unique memory chip identification, and a laboratory resultsidentification match prior to transmitting the signal to the controllerwhen a testing process of the biological fluid is complete.
 32. Themethod of tracking biological fluid of claim 28 further comprisingwriting at least a portion of data associated with the testing processto the memory chip.
 33. The method of tracking biological fluid of claim28 further comprising transmitting results of the testing process to anational biological fluid database.
 34. The method of trackingbiological fluid of claim 28 wherein the quarantine location isrefrigerated.
 35. A biological fluid identification and tracking systemcomprising: a tray assembly including a controller in communication witha network, a plurality of bins, each bin configured to receive acontainer of biological fluid, a plurality of ports in communicationwith the controller, each port associated with a bin, a plurality ofdisplays, each display in communication with an associated port, and acradle configured to connect to the port and to a memory chip on thecontainer; and a server in communication with the controller and anetwork, the server configured to receive via the network laboratorytest data associated with the container, and transmit a signal via theport to the memory chip and the display associated with the container,the signal including data related to the laboratory test data.
 36. Thebiological fluid identification and tracking system of claim 35 furthercomprising a module including an interface configured to directlycontact the memory chip on the container to retrieve data stored on thememory chip.
 37. The biological fluid identification and tracking systemof claim 35 wherein the display upon receiving the signal is configuredto display an indication related to the laboratory test data.